After supporting and participating in previous  Humphreys County annual competitions, fine artist, gallery owner and art teacher, Suzanne Gaudette Way was pleased to be asked to judge at this year’s competition.  Working  with local Waverly art teacher Susan Eaton, the judges found that as entries have increased every year they had their work cut out for them but were up to the challenge.
Way has  unique credentials and experience that she brings to the effort. 

For 28 years she has been a licensed judge of various types of livestock including dairy, meat and pygmy type goats,  mini zebu cattle and sheep amongst other things.  She did not begin her adventures in art until she began to draw about 15 years ago.  She credits her ability to draw and paint to years of observation of animals on the move.  She points out that livestock judges must give oral reasons for every placing to justify their decisions to the spectators and for education purposes  but in the art world, judges do not do this.  Way feels that valuable opportunity for education is missing from the art shows where it is not usual for the judge to even meet the exhibitors.

Eaton agrees with Way’s philosophy and together they  wrote their reasons for every placing.  While Eaton was unable to stay due to a previous commitment, Way gave detailed positive reasons and observations to all those present.  She began judging art shows in 2004.  Humphreys County Art Association President Dr. Linda Batey said this was their most successful event to date and that the exhibitors were delighted to get helpful feedback  from the judges.

 
Suzanne Gaudette Way may be contacted at thewaygallery@comcast.net or by calling 615-337-2621. 

The new website is www.thewaygallery.com.